You stop doing things you used to enjoy.
You can’t sleep through the night and often wake up around 3 or 4 AM.
You’ve started eating more… or less.
You’re not exercising anymore, and social events with friends? Forget it—you just don’t have the energy.
Your work performance is suffering, too. You’re no longer providing the same level of service to your patients, and it’s affecting your revenue.
It feels like you’re drowning in a negative spiral, and there’s no way out.
But there is a way out—and I’ve been there.
The First Step: Slow Down and Reconnect with Yourself
When you find yourself in this spiral, it’s easy to feel trapped. Lack of sleep, rest, and energy makes everything feel more difficult, and your vision becomes narrow. You stop seeing possibilities and options that could help you get back on track.
The key is to stop the negative spiral before it worsens and turn it into a positive one. But how do you do that? The first step is to slow down and reconnect with yourself. Your body is telling you something: you’re out of balance. Ignoring these signs will only make things worse.
Does this happen to everyone? Maybe not, but the numbers are startling. According to various studies, between 60-90% of people will experience burnout at some point in their lives. Burnout is just one of the many consequences of living in a prolonged state of imbalance.
Who’s More at Risk of Burnout?
Dr. Tim Cantopher, an expert in burnout and depression, identifies 9 personality traits that put people at a higher risk of experiencing burnout. These include:
- Moral strength
- Diligence
- Reliability
- Strong conscience
- Tendency to prioritize others before oneself
- Sensitivity
- Vulnerability to criticism
- Self-esteem dependent on the evaluation of others
- A sense of responsibility
Let’s focus on sensitivity for a moment. This can often feel like a vague or abstract concept, but it’s far more important than many realize.
Understanding Highly Sensitive People ,HSP
Dr. Elaine Aron’s groundbreaking work on Highly Sensitive People (HSP) was a life-changing discovery for me. It helped me understand why I often felt different and how my sensitivity was both a gift and a challenge. Roughly 20% of the population is considered highly sensitive, meaning they experience and process the world differently.
As a dentist and clinic owner, being an HSP came with its own unique set of challenges. HSPs are more prone to stress because of their tendency toward overstimulation and their need to frequently recharge. They absorb not only their own emotions but also the emotions of others—whether it’s patients, team members, or the general environment. Their brains process information deeply, making them more aware of subtleties but also more susceptible to overwhelm.
The Importance of Recognizing Sensitivity in Healthcare
I talk about this in my book, where I openly share how it felt to manage a dental practice as an HSP. While I didn’t dive into every detail, I made sure to address the importance of recognizing and managing these traits—not just in myself but also in the way we educate future healthcare professionals.
In fact, I strongly believe that we need to start acknowledging these signs earlier, particularly in schools and dental education. If we know that certain people, like HSPs, are more prone to stress and burnout, why not prevent it? Why not have open discussions and role-playing exercises to teach students how to manage these feelings early on?
It’s much easier to correct and support a student than to repair a broken adult.
My Mission: Prevention and Support
Dr. David Moffet once asked me what my mission was. While my primary goal is to coach people and teams who want a more balanced and fulfilled life, I also have a broader vision. I want to be part of the school system, helping to prevent mental illness from a younger age. This is where we shape the next generation into healthy, loving adults.
I hope this article has provided you with insight and encouragement. If any of this resonates with you, and you feel ready to start turning your spiral around, I’d love to collaborate with you. Whether you’re looking for personal coaching or ways to incorporate balance into your team or practice, I’m here to help.
You can find more about my book and coaching offerings at ChristinaRadics.com. Let’s take the first step together.
Kindly,
Dr. and Coach
Christina Radics
🗓️
